I'm very much behind with my news as I've been so busy for the last month. That time of year came round again, when I emptied the boot of my car to maximise space, and took myself off to one of my favourite festivals...............that is Wonderwool Wales!

I mean look at this heap of gorgeousness! I simply can't understand how anyone could possibly fail to have a fluttering heart at the sight of so much loveliness under one enormous roof. Alas my daughter starts to glaze over when I talk about it, so I have to post it here if I want to share!

Wonderwool is just chock full of stalls run by fibre traders around the country. From hemp products to sewing, embroidery, spinning, weaving and dyeing notions and tools.......and a host of fabulous skeins of wool, silk, cotton, linen and alpaca.

I met this rather impressive beast in one of the stalls. I had no idea how small alpacas were, though I've long appreciated the amazing softness of their wool. They're like long-necked goats and stand at around the same height as me (um that's short by the way).

I'm not sure what gender this splendid animal is, but s/he came right up close to me and stared right into my soul; sighing and making barely audible groaning noises. I think s/he was saying 'you look like you'd make a great alpaca breeder; take me out of here and feed me daisy sandwiches and lemonade for the rest of my days'. I think I may have to sell up and buy a field somewhere!

And so onto a bit of news and why I've been so very busy. An artist acquaintance of mine (Sean Donovan) invited me to collaborate with him and three other artists in an exhibiting collective here. We met up a few weeks ago, and since then we've decided on a name, booked space to exhibit as a group at the Oriel Washington Gallery in Penarth and I've made us a website. So without further ado, put your hands together and give a big welcome to Cardiff Arts Collective!

We just have artist pages with images of our art on the website so far, but do come and visit (it boosts our google search criteria if you visit the website) and leave a comment if you feel the urge! We plan to put up a list of exhibitions and maybe a blog in time, but for now at least we're up and running.